India awaits for govt~~s Karachi Test decision

New Delhi:The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) moved on Monday to make it clear that while the Indian Board had no objections to playing a Test match in Karachi next year, they were bound to abide by the decision of their government.

"As things stand the positive thing is that the Indian Cricket Board has informally told us they have no objections to the proposed itinerary we have sent them and that includes a Test and One-dayer in Karachi.

But they have also made it clear that the final and formal decision of playing in the city would depend on them getting clearance from their government," a board spokesman told 'The News'.

He said while it was true that the Indian board had raised no objections to playing in Karachi it was still awaiting a decision from its government, which it would have to abide by.

"They have sent the proposed itinerary to their government for clearance. Until their government gives the formal approval it would be premature to say that India is going to play a test match in Karachi."

He pointed out that last year when India toured Pakistan, the Indian board had sent the proposed itinerary to its government for approval.

"The Indian government and board then both had reservations about playing a Test in Karachi and sent a security team to inspect the match venues after which they agreed to play a One-dayer in Karachi," he said.

"Similarly when we went to India this year we didn't play a Test in Ahmedabad after consulting our government. Both boards are bound to consult and get approval from their governments on tour schedules."

The spokesman said that Pakistan had proposed to India to play the Tests in Karachi, Lahore and Faisalabad with Rawalpindi as an alternate venue.

India tours Pakistan for the second time in less than two years time from January and stays on in February for the Asia Cup being hosted by Pakistan.

"However, after the reception India got in Karachi last year we are very confident that this time they will get the clearance to play the Test match also," he added.

He said the Indian board had raised some minor points in the proposed itinerary including shuffling of some dates because of Eid-ul-Fitr and Kashmir Solidarity Day which falls on February 5.